Specialist - Youth Peer

Overview

Youth Peer Specialist

This position is located in Dothan, Alabama.

Shift Schedule is: Monday/Wednesday 10:30am - 6:30pm; Tuesday/Thursday 11am - 7:00pm; Friday 9am - 5pm.

Hours must be flexible to meet the needs of families.

This position could occasionally include Saturday work.

The Youth Peer Specialist (YPS) supports young adults, ages 16 - 21, by sharing their own lived experience of mental health/addictions with young adults to foster hope, build resiliency, and develop self-advocacy skills that will empower them to reach their goals. YPS will be expected to work with our clinical team to address the critical domains of functioning for youth/young adults, to include but not limited to working, learning, belonging, living, and healing through a strengths-based individualized team process. Travel may be required.

Primary Job Functions

• Utilizing lived experience, the youth peer support specialist will provide peer support to young adults ages 16 – 21 by sharing experiences and building trusting relationships.
• Offer support and guidance to young adults as they receive services and support from our organization.
• Foster hope and approach young adults’ skills from a strengths-based perspective.
• Coordinate outreach and youth engagement efforts in the community.
• Practice culturally responsive communication and interaction with young adults and their families and/or natural supports.
• Act as a resource and safe person for young adults to approach with questions, concerns, and accomplishments.
• Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy using regular meetings, individual, and/or group sessions.
• Articulate with patients what has been helpful and what has not been helpful in their own recovery process.
• Identify beliefs and values a consumer holds that work against their recovery.
• Discern when and how much of their lived experience to share with patients.

• Using a formal goal setting process, the youth peer support specialist will:
• Assist patients in articulating personal goals for recovery through one-to-one and group sessions. Support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Plan and research for small groups and interest activities.
• Facilitate small groups focusing on topics related to recovery: Coping Techniques, Health Teaching, Spirituality, and Social Interaction.
• Assist young adults in working with treatment team in determining the steps needed to achieve these goals.

• Participate in one-on-one relationship building with youth/young adults. Activities could be done in the community.
• Maintain proper documentation in a timely manner as required by SpectraCare and Alabama Department of Mental Health policies. Complete daily notes and regular documentation as required by SpectraCare guidelines.
• Participate in meetings with supervisor to discuss ideas, difficulties, suggestions and expectations. Facilitate understanding between client and clinician.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have lived experience with a mental illness or child welfare services and/or systems.
• Must become certified as a Certified Peer Specialist by completing DMH-approved training(s).
• Must understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing services.
• Possess a valid Driver License with good MVR and reliable transportation.
• Must meet insurability requirements to drive a system vehicle (21 years of age).
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a mental illness or related field.
• Previously completed Certified Youth Peer Specialist training and exam wi